The most pointless watch ever. Skmei 1123 - Casio homage...
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- Опубліковано 4 гру 2022
- I had hard time trying to express that in a video, but Casio has a feeling, that you can't simply get buying a cheaper copy-cat alternative. Casio also has an incredibly good quality control and well proven reliability over many many years. Buy an icon, that is super cheap, which is still going to make you proud of it and super happy. Buy a copy-cat of a Casio for a few less moneys and you will miss the entire point of Casio. Cheap copy of a cheap Casio is the most pointless thing ever.
The only reason I bought this watch is to make this point, which I do not feel I have communicated well, because this Skmei "creation" is so pointless that I don't even know what to say.
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//About
This channel is about watches. I like watches, but I am no expert or collector and everything I say is just my personal opinion. I just share my experience with the watches I buy. Cheap watches only.
My location: European Union, Lithuania
My wrist size is 16,5 ~ 17cm (6.5in ~ 6.7in)
English is not my native language. Please always feel free to correct me when I make a mistake. I am still learning, your corrections help me improve my English more than you think! Thank you! - Навчання та стиль
My tier list for watches: tomaswatchreviews.com
I've bought 'Skmei-1123' recently and also I have 'Casio-A168' (produced in late 1990-s). The dial on the old Casio begins to dim very quickly when changing the viewing angle from 90 degrees to a slight up or down. The backlight works fine, buttons require more force to press compared to Skmei (the watch was completly restored, all contacts cleaned with alcohol) .The body of the Skmei watch is noticeably heavier (as it is made of metal). The accuracy in both watches is approximately the same (in a week of comparative testing, Skmei fasts by 2 seconds, while Casio runs slower by 2 seconds). But the main difference is the price. In Ukraine, the new 'Casio A168' is sold for $60 (!!!), while the 'Skmei 1123' is priced at $10.... Greetings from Ukraine, peace!
🇺🇦 ❤
I always Love cheap homages. Casio is fine but this skmei is a damn fine cuz of thickness and they got so many cool color versions
just got a skmei 1123 for $10 because I needed a quick watch to go out with. For the price I have no complaints
I'm wearing my Skmei 1123 now - I love it. It's better than Casios you can buy now like the F-91W because it's metal not plastic and has a backlight that actually works. It's objectively a better watch regardless of price. I don't consider it a 'homage' watch - it's just a watch - it looks like 1000 other digital watches from the 80s - not just the Casio.
it's copying the a158, not the f91w. If you enjoy it, that's great 😊 . I have to agree with the Tomas, I like the orginal better, even if it has the lesser back light.
@@fearless6947 The F-91W uses the same 593 module as the A-158W. I have both and they are great watches.
@@frankdiscussion2069 me too lol. I love both my a158 and f91w.
Also available with a mesh bracelet. Love it.
@@frankdiscussion2069 F105W-1A and A-168W MUCH BETTER
In my country, the price of one a158 can buy five skmei 1123 so it makes more sense.
Regarding the thickness, both use the same battery. Although this one is thicker than a158, it's thinner than a168 so i think the thickness comes from the lighting system.
Also i think the buttons on Skmei 1123 are much easier to push than A158.
The bracelet on Skmei is pretty sharp. It always remind me that its there, while Casio's one is not and much more comfortable. Both A158 and the heavier AE1200 feel more comfortable than Skmei 1123 because of this.
in that case, then it makes sense. Depends on the country I guess. In uk I would go for the orginal. Never thought of that, Cheers for explaining
@@fearless6947 I agree, but even then £5 can get you these skmei watches, i'd take a casio anyday, but wouldn't mind giving something like this as a gift to a child or even an adult if you are on an extremely low budget
People buy Skmei and Armitron because of the metal case, Casio has crappy plastic cases.
It s true
You can also get different colors for no price increase. Casio is double price for rose gold or gold
Really?? And Casio *A1000MA-7VT* too???
@@Andrew__Smith $160 for a metal case lol
@@stevebarnard8580 It is a PRICE!!! Really looks better then on photo!!!
I admire you for giving out your honest opinion even at the risk of alienating some of your subscribers.
He does not care or understand profits
"Casio's clasp is better" - now THIS is something I didn't think I'll ever hear.
I have a couple of skmei watches and some are the casio homages. They work well enough but I was really looking or skmei to begin making some of their own designs like you pointed out. I hope those at skmei will see this video and consider the constructive criticism. Skmei has great potential if they would take the risk of trying out some original designs.
If a person don't have 20$ to buy a real casio, maybe watches is the last thing he need to worry about. I agree with you, don't see whats the point of this watch.
in turkey casio watches are 3x expensive. so i can go with skmei. for example A168 model is 1500 turkish lira but skimei version is 400 tl.
In Brazil the Casio costs 200 reais, but Skmei costs 35 reais
I don't care how close it is in price, it just feels nice. It's got a zinc case (i actually appreciate just this tiny bit of extra weight) and a scratch resistant glass and the backlight is beautiful. Also i got it for only 6€, and only because i was curious to check out what the quality is like, not because i want it or need it, but i think i'll still wear it. This is actually an LED based backlight, i guess some non-LED material in the layup degrades, but like do i care, do i really care?
Also for some reason CASIO prices have gone bad here recently, like 25-30€ no, just not gonna happen. The 168 does have a nicer shape and lines though, the new super flat one A700 even more so. This watch is more similar to 158, probably lines not as sharp, but the backlight on the 158 is absolutely filthy, same as F91W. And these are all chromed plastic cases and acrylic window.
But of course i'd like more design variety and originality. Something you just can't get anywhere else.
I would also love them to upgrade to 5ppm crystal oscillators (higher accuracy) or even MEMS oscillators + digital trim (more mileage out of a slimmer cell + no drift). I mean if they're aiming for the king, they might as well shoot for the head.
What i'd really love is a similarly priced alternative to Belarussian digital watches. Solid milled cases (usually brass), mineral glass. Beautiful case work, beautiful printing on the glass.
The Skmei 1123 would be pointless if the Casio W158 had a decent backlight. Since it doesn't, it's nice to have a similar watch that does. The Skmei 1123 is my go-to watch for telling the time when I'm watching television in the dark. I also like the chromed zinc case and the $5 price tag. It impressed me so much I also have Skmei Models 1412, 2042, and 9288. I like your channel and always enjoy your unique point of view (and accent).
It depends on where in the world you buy that watch. Here in Norway the original would easily cost you 40$, so the copy makes sence for some.
copy would also cost proportionally more because of Norwegian taxes. Same ones, that make that Casio expensive too. Evens out.
Not being disrespectful, but average wages in Norway is three times bigger than average wages in Lithuania. So yeah, it does depend on where in the world you buy that watch.
Really appreciate the coverage of this watch, I liked the commentary on homages and clones and where the line is for acceptability. Keep up the great work Tomas.
thanks
I see your point regarding this particular "homage" watch. I too have the Casio A-158W and it's well worth the few extra bucks. However I have a Skmei 1335 homage of the Casio AE-1300 "Royale". Of course it doesn't have all the functions like the Casio however it is the most accurate digital watch out of all my digital watches. It loses 2 seconds a month where as my Casio's lose or gain 30-40 secs/month. It also has just as good viewing angles as any of my Casio's. It has a rugged silver coated resin case with a stainless steel bracelet. The backlight is excellent like Timex Indiglo. It cost me $15 delivered to my door. The Casio version is $60 where I live if I could find one. They are not readily available here. Would I order another Skmei digital? I already have and it's the Skmei 1496 homage to the Casio W-218H. Retail price for the Casio W-218H here is $50 but the Skmei version is $13. I don't need to pay an extra $40 for the name "Casio" on the watch.
I have that Casio "hommage", like it a lot, paid € 4,- , bought a 15 € NATO for it...works great. Better than the F91 casio..
This SKMEI 1123 and 2056 is a homage that arguably improves on the original though, it comes in colour options that Casio doesn't make, the light is much better, and the alarm is louder. It isn't undignified, it is an alternative that's superior in many ways. They work the same, as the Casio they are based on is nothing special.
I have a 10 G-Shocks, a few F91Ws, and a selection of other watches in including an Omega DeVille, lots of Swatches, and an Orient Mako. However, SKMEI Casio homages are really cool, and they come in really cool colours. I love them! I wear them often.
I agree. Among other watches, I've got about a dozen Casios (including the 5040PG and GMWB5000) but still like the few Skmeis I have. I like having a metal case with a glass crystal with a great backlight. If Casio made one at a reasonable price I'd 100% buy one. The price of the Skmei also doesn't hurt at all.
Still, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Here the casio costs around 40, which is a lot more than the skmei
SKMEI has the future they also make their own designs..
I recently purchased a Skmei 2120 with a green dial, which is a Casio MTP-VC01D clone. Skmei cost me €18. You can get a Casio for €50, although not in green. This color is probably not available in my part of the world. When I opened the package, I immediately thought that I probably should have bought a Casio. Don't get me wrong. The Skmei looks very nice, but it's just not Casio. I'm just entering the world of watches. This is my 5th watch and 2nd Skmei. I previously bought a 1988 which I think is a fantastic watch. It is also not a clone in the strict sense. It's just similar to the G-Shock, but it doesn't look exactly like either one. Plus it only cost €12. It's worth buying it just to have it. However, 2120 is simply a clone, and the original is easily within my price range. Well, one learns.
You won't understand. Casios are not cheap especially in 3rd world countries. They are entry level. For people here who earns dirt and works 9-5 SKMEI and other homages are our only option. Having the looks, durability and function of a Casio without compromising our budget.
understandable
I agree Casio is not cheap, most people wont spend so much on a watch if they are not into watches, Casio could have made cheaper watches and Skmei wouldn't do so well. Interesting to note that Casio has moved more towards higher end in recent years, obviously they are not really interested in competing with the likes of Skmei.
In my country (India) the 158w is just 4$ more than 1123 which should i buy
Bought it, have it, put it on a NATO, great watch, love it, for only €4,- who wouldn't.. Only bad, the band was way way too short, back light is great, and Blue..
I feel SKMEI brings a host of new colours and great options to the lineup so yes it’s nice to buy plus cheaper too
The SKMEI..1123. Bought it for €5,- great watch, great back lights... bought a 29 cm NATO with it, band was way too short. it runs on time, and has working back lights.. and is affordably... Buy it! The Casio F91w doesn't fit either, and has crappy back lights.
I have the blue one, I like it a lot.
If you want an original design Skmei watch,have a look at the Skmei 2033.
I was surprised that the light on the lcd fades overtime how long did it take tho?
years. It is not that bad.
All' correct Tomas. . Good work
You need to check Corgeut Railmaster blue dial
does that chrome plated alloy ages better than casio chrome-plastic ´?😅
it probably would age better, but that does not even matter.
I have a Skmei 1806 a homage of the Casio A1000M. I got the rose gold version. The zinc alloy does not hold long. In just a month the color has already corroded. I think Casio has the better idea of chrome plating resin because it does not corrode fast. I have a Casio A500W and the chrome plating is still good.
@@conyo985 A1000M is stainless steel, the main selling point. Yeah homages suck. How is the bracelet?
@@Cortesevasive The bracelet is fine. It's a stainless steel milanese bracelet.
@@TomasWatchReviews I agree. casio is the real thing
Thanks for review. Please please review armitron, Retro Digital Chronograph Mesh Bracelet Watch, 40/8485. It’s very similar to there original digital watch design isn’t a just a Casio knockoff. I love mine , and hope the word gets out. 30 euro for a stainless steel case and great module . Light is poor. I put it on a grey tropic strap and it is even better, thanks
It cost 3 times for casio... I wanna save some money
I just buy skmei casio homages to practice mods on to see how I feel about the looks before I potentially waste a casio.
worth to buy or not, it depends on where and how many you make for a living. for people who have very tight budget, because of their income very low, skmei watch is a viable option to have nice looking watch, without spent much money.
in my opinion, you better buy a blatant copy of some watch, where we call a homage, rather than you buy fake watch.
that is out of the question, for sure. Any watch is better than a fake.
@@TomasWatchReviews I would argue because I got a casio fake for 2 dollars and at a glance no one can tell it's a fake and it's been serving me quite well.
@@achannel6677 it is not about "serving well" it is about morals.
@@TomasWatchReviews from where I am, counterfeit watches are not illegal.
@@achannel6677 it is not about legality either. It is about morals :) But I am not some kind of priest to tell people what is right, what is wrong. And not telling you will go to hell, but probably will :D
I've seen few reviews of different Skmei watches, and they seem ok. Tho, it's not even so bad that they mostly borrow design from some other brands, for me the worst thing is the name of the brand - SKMEI? What that even means? I couldn't think of a worse name for a watch brand. It sounds like the Road Runner. LOL
"borrow" is a very nice word here :D
It should be the homonym of the Chinese pronunciation of this brand，時刻美=beauty moment
@@Four-J67 Thank you for your explanation. Now, it maybe sounds ok in Chinese, but it's still a lousy name for a watch brand, especially when it's represented on the global market.
@@damyr yeah horrible name lol
For 10$ and it is still works for seven years.
I give big applaus for that. Well done skmei
This new homage tactics of SKMEI remind me of when you discover great movie with cool original script, and you respect that movie’s director because you found his hidden gem but through years he goes to hollywoid and starts to direct generic, unoriginal movies and he loses that spark of originality he once had…. And also, Tomas, last “t” in tissot is not pronounced :)
thanks :)
I got wwoor PRX homage for $40 USD.
Agreed!
Nice vìdeo!! thank you. Have a good day too
Looks more like a A158 ;)
hm, you might be right.
Nice watch the skmei
Bought a €5.- watch, put it on a nice NATO :) SKMEI - Shir Kuh Mei - "Beautiful Moments in Time". Indeed :) Bye bye Casio :)
Kliedesiai...
Can I have this watch if u don't like?🥺😁
Is skmie 1123 accurate
don't know
Skmei has made some "original" designs. They are Skmei 7100, 7101, 7102, 7103 and 7104. Probably borrow elements from here and there, at least they are not straight lazy clomage of the already cheap Casio.
No they don't
Casio still can’t get their backlight right.
Skmei is catching up.
Both, the Casio and Skmei are crap. The Skmei is probably a bit better because of the metal case.
Not actually. The zinc alloy corrodes faster especially if you sweat a lot. My Skmei 1806 looks crap right now. But my Casio A500W still looks good.
I can understand a person who would buy a Omega Speedmaster or a Rolex Explorer II homage because he/she cannot afford to purchase the real thing. But honestly and rhetorically speaking, what is the point, besides the purpose of this video, of purchasing an imitation knockoff of perhaps the word's most famous and most inexpensive watch? What kind of person you have to be to do that?
What's the problem with buying a cheap brand just to test? Is he committing some crime by chance? How much does Casio pay you to write this?
Strong Russian accent
*lithuanian
@@TomasWatchReviews the same thing)))))
@@zubovsky77432 true, sounds similar
@@TomasWatchReviews so, what about watches? Is it good or bad, if don't think that it's casio homage?
Эти SKMEI всё равно - мусор.
Sooo with casio the lugs break eventually cause its cheap plastic. I pove love love love love loved!!!! My a700 but mannnnn changing the strap 2 times and its unwearable. Bullshit. The skmei is at least some chinesium metal, idk. Damn you casio....